Research
The research and development in the field of processing of composites is devoted to the following topics:
- Process Development
- Interaction process / structure / property
- Process modeling and simulation
- Process Optimization
- Process Automation
- Economic Aspects
Full laboratory facilities provide us the necessary practice opportunity.
Process development
The Department's approach is a holistic process development.
Process results and process influencing factors are brought together interdisciplinary. Given that the full range of process technologies hold promise for the production of continuous fiber-reinforced components, the department focuses in further investigation of known methods in various directions. In addition, research towards new process technologies takes place, which if suitable, will be directed to industry.
Relationship process/material structure/component properties
Relationship process/material structure/component properties
In composite materials there is a strong connection between the material and the resulting part properties. Unlike other materials, the structure is determined by the manufacturing process as in general any actual composite part is being formed only during manufacturing. Therefore of utmost importance is the accurate knowledge of the interaction between process, material structure and properties. This is considered as a primary goal of the work at the Institute.
Process modeling and process simulation
Process modeling and process simulation
A major challenge is the ability to predict both material behavior and processing behavior with emphasis to the latter. Besides the use of commercial simulation tools intensive work is being done in the Chair towards active development of process simulation. An important approach in this direction is modeling.
Process optimization
Process optimization
The process optimization developed in the Chair is based on a deep understanding of process/structures/properties. Simulations contribute as a valuable asset. Aspects of process automation, in particular with respect to greater accuracy and reproducibility are considered, as are the economics aspects.
Process automation
Process automation
Fully integrated process development based on phenomenological processing models is implemented and used as a basis for system control. The automated self-guided process enables the extraction of high-quality process results.
Economic assessment
Economic assessment
Processes are interesting for the industry only when they result to product with a good price/performance ratio. Therefore considering economic aspects is important. However, even more important is the predicting ability during manufacturing that will enable cost-oriented decision making in early stages of the process.